Instructor Manual

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF DIVING INSTRUCTORS®
 INTRODUCTION

Keeping Your Manual Up-to-date

As a dynamic and responsive organization, PADI continually updates standards and proce-
dures to keep instruction in line with technological changes, revised dive community guide-
lines, market considerations, legal defensibility and other issues. As a PADI Member and PADI
Instructor Manual owner, it’s important for you to acknowledge, understand and note standards
changes in your manual.
The following suggestions will help you keep your manual current:

PADI Instructor Manual - digital version

• A new digital PADI Instructor Manual disc that includes all Training Bulletin changes and any
new instructor guides is released each year. PADI Instructors receive this disc as part of
their membership renewal. Other registered owners may obtain a new disc for a nominal
upgrade fee.

PADI Instructor Manual - paper version

• Update your paper PADI Instructor Manual after reviewing quarterly Training Bulletins by
writing in changes, corrections and additions directly into the manual.
• You can acquire newly released instructor guides by downloading the PDF (portable docu-
ment file) from the Pros area of padi.com. Print the file and insert the new guide into your
manual. You may also contact your PADI Sales Representative to order newly released
guides.
• The paper PADI Instructor Manual is updated and reprinted annually. Purchasing a newly
printed manual is another option for keeping up-to-date. Contact your PADI Sales Represen-
tative to inquire about the most current paper version.

Instructor’s Creed
As a scuba instructor I have the opportunity to see:
• Fear changed to courage
• Faint-heartedness converted into accomplishment
• Timidity transformed into confidence
• Anticipation turned into passion
As a scuba instructor I can:
• Open hearts and minds to the hidden beauty of nature’s creation and our obligation
to protect it
• Foster self-esteem in another person
• Teach the value of character and integrity
• Transform another human being and change a life for the better and forever

“From what we get we make a living. From what we give we make a life.” Winston Churchill

Version 2.12 (11/08)

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 INTRODUCTION

Introduction
PADI (Professional Association of Diving In- vironmental knowledge to students in stages.
structors) is the world’s largest recreational PADI courses are student-centered and provide
diving membership organization. The member- for maximum practice and application. Students
ship includes dive businesses, resort facilities, learn the basics through independent study
academic institutions, instructor trainers, dive and then are guided through additional devel-
educators, divers, snorkelers and other water- opment by their instructors. The goal is to get
sports enthusiasts. Professional PADI Members students in the water as soon as possible and
(dive centers, resorts, educational facilities, provide them with the instruction necessary to
instructors, assistant instructors and divemas- gain confidence in their diving abilities.
ters) teach the vast majority of the world’s PADI’s entry-level scuba certification is
recreational divers, issuing more than 800,000 Open Water Diver. Once certified, divers can
certifications each year. PADI Professionals make continue their education by becoming Ad-
underwater exploration and adventure acces- venture, Advanced Open Water, Specialty and
sible to the public while maintaining the highest Rescue Divers. Further training, such as the
industry standards for dive training, safety and Divemaster and Assistant Instructor courses,
customer service. allow interested divers to become dive leaders.
PADI is international in scope with service Divers looking for scuba diving careers often
offices in Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, choose to become PADI Instructors.
Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the The PADI Instructor Development pro-
United States. PADI Worldwide (corporate head- gram sets the industry standard for instructor
quarters) is located in California, United States. training. Through a comprehensive curriculum,
PADI Offices serve more than 130,000 individual dive leaders build upon their supervisory skills
professional members and more than 5300 dive and learn to teach PADI courses. Each new
centers and resorts in more than 183 countries PADI Instructor has demonstrated a thorough
and territories. To serve the needs of divers knowledge of the PADI System and the ability
worldwide, translations of PADI materials are to conduct PADI programs by meeting specific
available in at least 24 languages. evaluation criteria during a PADI Instructor
PADI provides members with a full range Examination (IE). PADI Instructor Development
of educational materials, training aids, promo- programs may only be conducted by quali-
tional pieces and recognition materials to con- fied PADI Course Directors. Course Directors
duct and market PADI programs. These materials are experienced Master Instructors who have
are developed by credentialed instructional received training and gained experience in
designers who use state-of-the-art technology conducting instructor development programs.
and learning theories to produce quality prod- PADI Instructor Examinations are conducted by
ucts. When students successfully complete PADI a select group of Instructor Examiners who are
courses, they receive positive identification cer- under contract with PADI. Having IEs conducted
tification cards that identify them as PADI Divers. only by authorized Examiners ensures that the
In addition to course materials and certification evaluation process is objective, fair and consis-
cards, PADI supports members’ teaching efforts tent.
by supplying consultation services in current All PADI programs, entry-level through
instructional methods and protocols. instructor training, fall under strict educational
The PADI System of diver education is standards to maintain worldwide consistency
based on progressive training that introduces and quality. PADI takes a proactive approach to
skills, safety related information and local en- quality assurance, with a full-time department


 INTRODUCTION

that randomly surveys PADI Divers to monitor other membership news. Web visitors can also
PADI programs and to confirm that they meet view various diving related sites linked to the
PADI’s high standards. This commitment to a PADI web site.
strong quality assurance process helps maintain To assist PADI Members grow both
credibility and continually improve customer personally and professionally, PADI conducts
satisfaction. annual seminars that cover various educational,
To keep PADI Members up-to-date on im- marketing and risk management topics. PADI
portant dive issues, safety, training techniques, also offers sales training and business develop-
and business information, PADI publishes a ment programs. Each year PADI staff attend
magazine and various newsletters. The Undersea advisory meetings and member forums to dis-
Journal (a magazine for dive industry profession- cuss local issues and supply participants with
als) features information regarding diver edu- information regarding current trends in diving.
cation, safety standards, dive retailing, travel, PADI Regional Managers visit PADI Dive Centers
industry news, science and the environment. and Resorts to consult with members regarding
PADI Members also receive from their PADI Of- sales, merchandising, marketing and staff train-
fice special bulletins and newsletters, such as ing. Retailers and resort operators also have
the Surface Interval – a monthly eNewsletter – access to a variety of business services through
that allows members to stay abreast of training the PADI International Resort and Retailer As-
and education issues, instructor development sociations.
news and information specific to the needs of As PADI Members, both individuals
PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. The Dive Indus- and dive businesses can obtain professional
try News which provides information regarding liability as well as several other types of busi-
PADI’s stance on dive industry issues, is mailed ness insurance policies. PADI maintains a staff
with The Undersea Journal. Published quarterly, of professionals who address legal, insurance
the Training Bulletin keeps members updated and legislative issues that affect PADI Members
regarding training suggestions and requirements and diving in general. PADI is also involved in
as well as important changes to PADI courses developing national and international dive com-
and programs. PADI Offices also publish regional munity minimum training standards. With the
newsletters and bulletins that keep PADI Mem- assistance of legal advisors and interaction with
bers informed on a local level. other organizations, PADI represents the inter-
In addition to member publications, Sport ests of members and divers in the community
Diver - The PADI Diving Society Magazine is dis- and before governments.
tributed to PADI Diving Society members in the With thousands of members and millions
United States and the United Kingdom. These of divers, PADI-sponsored programs are becom-
magazines cover the people, places and events ing a growing force in the worldwide effort to
that make up the diving lifestyle and encourage preserve the underwater environment. Project
readers to seek the assistance of PADI profes- AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibil-
sionals to meet their diving needs. ity and Education) encompasses PADI’s environ-
PADI’s, web site, padi.com, features mental awareness and protection philosophy.
interesting topics for everyone from the non- Through their training, PADI Divers learn the
diver to the PADI professional. The public can importance of protecting fragile aquatic ecosys-
find information on current events, learning to tems and are encouraged to become involved in
dive or continuing diver education with a PADI preservation efforts.
Dive Center or Resort. PADI Members can access
training updates, job placement information and PADI — The Way The World Learns to Dive ®

4
 INTRODUCTION

PADI’s Mission Statement

Purpose
PADI exists to develop programs that encourage
and fulfill the public interest in recreational scuba Slogan
and snorkel diving worldwide. PADI - The Way the World Learns to Dive.®

Vision Mission
PADI intends to be the world leader in the educa- We want to teach the world to scuba dive.
tional development of scuba diving professionals
and enthusiasts.

Values Core Competencies

In all of our relationships, we will demonstrate our Unsurpassed Customer Service and Knowledge — We
steadfast commitment to: recognize our strength and competitive advantage is
Leadership — Being a world-class leader in every as- our people performing outstanding customer service,
pect of our business, in the way we design and develop and developing excellent programs and products. We
our products, in the training of recreational scuba pride ourselves in listening to the needs of our markets
divers, instructors and retail and resort operators, in and exceeding their expectations.
the support and service we provide to our professional
International Program Integration — We continuously
members (instructors, assistant instructors, divemas-
develop and advance the PADI System of diver educa-
ters, retail facilities, resorts) in diving safety and educa- tion into countries and territories of the world with a
tion, in aquatic environmental education and preser- consistent, standardized and state-of-the-art approach
vation, in our management performance in our global while adapting to diverse cultures, customs, protocols
marketing of scuba diving adventure and in developing and languages on a local level. Together, our world
our skills at every level. offices provide the PADI membership with unsurpassed
Integrity — We honor our commitments, take personal quality in our educational materials, publications and
responsibility for our actions and practice the highest support services, in a uniform, reliable and consistent
ethical standards, treating everyone fairly with trust and manner.
respect.
Unparalleled Educational Validity — PADI’s courses
Our People — We value the skills, strengths and per- have been independently evaluated and recommended
spectives of our internationally diverse membership and for college credit equivalency by the American Council
employee groups. Our team will foster a participatory on Education (ACE). PADI educational courses remain
workplace that empowers our people to get involved in the only diver training programs with this distinction.
decision making and develops leadership skills at every We are proud of the ACE approval as an indepen-
level. We will continually encourage cooperative efforts
dent corroboration of the educational validity of our
at every level in our company.
courses. All PADI credentialed divers are entitled to
Quality — In all that we do, we pride ourselves in receive this benefit. PADI courses have received similar
performing it correctly and accurately the first time to recognition from other educational institutions interna-
the highest standards of quality and efficiency. We will tionally. Discriminating dive students should ask why
strive for continuous quality improvement in all that we PADI has been the only training organization with this
do in order to be the world’s premier recreational diving distinction.
training and educational company.
Unequaled Diversity in our Professional Membership
Customer Satisfaction and Retention — Keeping cus- — With 130,000 professional members operating in 183
tomers satisfied and earning the continued loyalty of countries and territories, PADI Instructors are the most
our members and divers is essential to our success. We ethnically, culturally and racially diverse group of dive
will achieve total customer satisfaction by understand- educators in the world. This means that a potential
ing what our customers want and delivering it flawlessly. dive consumer seeking diver education has a much
The Environment — In all that we do, we will strive greater chance of finding a PADI course offered in their
to achieve our commitment to preserving the aquatic country by a person from their own culture and in
environment for future growth. their own language. We are proud of our professional
Underwater Cultural Heritage — We are committed to dive educators and our internationally consistent,
the protection of underwater cultural heritage for future diverse and culturally adapted training system.
generations of divers and nondivers alike.


 INTRODUCTION

PADI’s Tasks, Purposes and Goals

PADI strives to be the world’s most respected and successful organization in recreational scuba div-
ing and snorkeling. PADI is committed to product and service excellence, the professional growth and
security of our members and employees, healthy competition and partnership within the dive industry
and to providing training and opportunity for all who seek to enjoy and safely explore and protect our
planet’s oceans, lakes and waterways. Our goals include:

1. To continue to develop and maintain PADI’s 9. To promote and encourage the

leadership position in the dive industry participation of the general public in dive
worldwide, as defined by membership, recreation and dive travel.
innovation, product sales, image and market 10. To establish and maintain high standards
equity. for the training and certification of
2. To ensure the long-term viability of the professional members.
company by continuing to improve its 11. To monitor and regulate the professional
financial position and profitability. activities of association members while
3. To evolve PADI into a truly multinational they are engaged in dive instruction.
entity encompassing the world market in the 12. To initiate training programs for
context of geopolitical, cultural and financial association members and apprise them of
considerations. current practices.
4. To increase the exposure of PADI and the 13. To prepare and distribute course
dive industry at the consumer level, while curriculum outlines, materials and
respecting our fiduciary relationship and publications relating to underwater
responsibilities to our members at all levels. training.
5. To continue to develop programs, products, 14. To coordinate with other organizations to
services, procedures and policies that are establish industry-wide training standards.
member-driven and that continue to result
15. To represent the interests of professional
in the highest level of customer service in
members, retail and resort members and
the industry.
diving in general in the community and
6. To continue to evaluate, benchmark, and before government.
improve our company Mission Statement,
16. Continually improve our effectiveness to
goals, objectives and purpose on an ongoing
provide optimal service.
basis to ensure that they support and satisfy
the needs of our employees, our members 17. To develop programs that will protect the
and our business partners worldwide. best interests of professional members and
diving in general.
7. To establish standards for the training of
students in snorkel swimming and scuba 18. To accomplish all of the above while
diving. upholding and enhancing the principles
and philosophies set forth by Project
8. To promote and encourage the training of
A.W.A.R.E.
the general public in the safety aspects and
techniques of participation in underwater
activities.


 INTRODUCTION

PADI Worldwide Group

and Affiliates
PADI Worldwide is a privately held corporation that is guided by a President and Chief Oper-
ating Officer (COO) along with a group of officers and directors. The PADI Worldwide group
includes seven service offices, some of which are wholly owned subsidiaries while others are
licensees. PADI Worldwide manages the long range planning and global marketing for the or-
ganization while the officers, managers and staff at each PADI Office conduct the day-to-day
business activities that support PADI programs and provide services to PADI Members. PADI
Members influence corporate decisions by sharing their opinions through advisory boards,
member seminars and responding to surveys sent out by PADI Worldwide or PADI Offices.
PADI Worldwide is also affiliated with several companies, foundations and organiza-
tions that provide additional services to PADI Members and to the dive industry. Corporate
affiliates include the PADI Travel Network, which provides travel services, Diving Science and
Technology (DSAT) Corp., which develops educational and promotional products and pro-
grams, Current Publishing, which develops and publishes marine science educational pro-
grams, and Emergency First Response, a CPR and first aid training organization. The Project
AWARE Foundation and the PADI Foundation are nonprofit organizations established by PADI
to support environmental and educational efforts through grant programs and other efforts.

PADI Worldwide

PADI Asia Pacific PADI International PADI Japan

Ltd.

PADI Americas PADI Canada PADI Europe PADI Nordic

PADI Foundation

7
 INTRODUCTION

PADI Educational Programs

PADI provides PADI Members with complete curricula and training materials for a variety
of experience programs and certification courses, from introductory programs, such as
Discover Scuba Diving, to leadership level training such as Divemaster. PADI Specialty
Instructors may offer courses that allow divers to further pursue their diving interests.
PADI Members who qualify as Emergency First Response Instructors may offer integrated
CPR and first aid courses to divers and members of the public who wish to learn the
basic skills of emergency patient care.
PADI programs are performance-based, which allows students to progress at their
own pace. Students begin diver training by using PADI’s independent study materials
and continue learning under the guidance of an instructor. Recognized for effectiveness
and instructional integrity, PADI programs are recommended for college credit by the
American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (formerly
ACE/PONSI) and the Canadian Open Learning Agency’s Credit Review Service (Learn-
ing Bank). PADI courses are also recognized by the Vocational Education Training and
Accreditation Board (VETAB) in Australia, and may result in New Zealand Qualification
Authority Unit Standards when delivered through accredited delivery sites.

The following are programs that can be offered through qualified PADI Members:

• Emergency First Response • Specialty Diver

• Discover Snorkeling Altitude Diver
Boat Diver
• PADI Seal Team
Cavern Diver
• Bubblemaker AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation
• Discover Scuba Diving Deep Diver
• Discover Local Diving Digital Underwater Photographer
Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Diver
• Scuba Review
Drift Diver
• Skin Diver Dry Suit Diver
• PADI Scuba Diver Emergency Oxygen Provider
Junior Scuba Diver Enriched Air Diver
• Open Water Diver Equipment Specialist
Junior Open Water Diver AWARE - Fish Identification
Ice Diver
• Adventure Diver or
Multilevel Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver National Geographic Diver
Junior Adventure Diver
Night Diver
Junior Advanced Open Water
Peak Performance Buoyancy
• Rescue Diver Project AWARE Specialty
Junior Rescue Diver Search and Recovery Diver
• Master Scuba Diver Semiclosed Rebreather Diver
Junior Master Scuba Diver Underwater Naturalist
• Divemaster Underwater Navigator
Underwater Photographer
• Assistant Instructor
Underwater Videographer
• Instructor Wreck Diver
Other Specialty Diver courses

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 INTRODUCTION

How to Use the

PADI Instructor Manual
The PADI Instructor Manual contains PADI Standards, procedures, performance require-
ments, presentation notes, examples of recommended techniques and other ancillary
information necessary for conducting PADI courses or programs. Being able to find
information in this manual is an important skill for every PADI Member.
This manual contains separate course instructor guides for easy reference.
Guides are usually divided into subsections with an Appendix at the end. Each guide
has a Contents page that allows you to identify topics and jump to specific pages. From
the Contents page, you may also jump to another instructor guide.
Most guides also have a page called “How to Use This Guide.” Until you’re com-
pletely familiar with each section, it’s a good idea to always begin with the Contents
page or “How to Use This Guide” pages.
As noted in each section of the manual, text appearing in blue boldface print are
standards, required activities and performance objectives. The blue boldface assists in
clearly identifying those requirements that must be followed or met. Keep in mind,
however, that regular print contains important and relevant information that further
clarifies the blue boldface requirements and explains the standard’s intent. It is recom-
mended that you read everything about the specific topic you reference.
The General Standards and Procedures section contains PADI Standards that
apply to all PADI courses and programs. Detailed standards for specific courses and
programs are addressed in individual guides. Under limited circumstances, individual
course standards vary from the general standards. In these situations, the individual
course standards take precedence. If in doubt, contact your PADI Office for clarifica-
tion.
The General Standards and Procedures section also contains a complete over-
view of PADI Membership levels and qualifications, a description of PADI Quality Man-
agement procedures, a look at legal responsibility and risk management techniques, and
a frequently asked questions section complete with answers.
The Discover Scuba Diving, PADI Seal Team, Open Water Diver, Adventures in
Diving, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Snorkeling/Skin Diving and Scuba Review/Discover
Local Diving guides contain specific standards, requirements, and recommendations for
conducting these programs and courses. Each guide is divided into several subsections
that outline the program structure and standards, describe the skill and knowledge
development, and detail any open water training requirements.
The Specialty Diver section begins with an overview and general standards for
conducting PADI Specialty Diver courses. It continues with individual subsections that
list the standards for each specialty diver course and for Master Scuba Diver certifica-
tion. However, these subsections do not contain course outlines, presentation notes
or other recommendations for conducting specialty diver courses. This information is
found in individual Specialty Diver Course Outlines that instructors can obtain.
The Training Bulletins section is designed to hold quarterly Training Bulletins. Be-
cause Training Bulletins often contain standards changes, clarifications and corrections
to the individual instructor guides, it is recommended that you note these revisions.